Text from School Can’t Australia
Today on The School Can’t Experience podcast, consulting nurse Laura Hellfeld, joins host Leisa Reichelt to explore one of the least-talked-about challenges facing School Can’t families – hygiene and self-care.
When young people are in burnout, the capacity for everyday self-care tasks like showering, brushing teeth and eating can quietly disappear, often leaving parents feeling confused, worried, and like they’re somehow failing.
Laura explains why this happens, drawing on nervous system science, interoception, sensory processing and the body’s response to trauma and chronic stress. They offers a compassionate, practical framework for understanding what’s really going on and how to respond.
This episode covers why declining self-care is a signal worth paying attention to (not a behaviour problem to push through), why centering the person rather than the task makes all the difference, and how joy, self-expression and identity can be unexpected but powerful pathways back to body connection and care.
Laura also shares her perspective on burnout as a medical condition, the unrecognised physical health needs that often sit underneath it, and why protecting your relationship with your young person is the most important thing you can do right now.
🎧 Listen to the School Can’t Experience here:
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gFT3Axx3
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gp23kqCR
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Mentioned in the episode:
Katie Munday – https://autisticltd.co.uk/
Autistic Burnout Network Conference, June 5-6 2026 – https://www.autisticadvocate.co.uk/au…
How to keep house while drowning, KC Davis – https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09QMRTK1C/
The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods, Robyn Steward – https://www.amazon.com.au/Autism-Frie…
The growing up book – An Inclusive Guide to Puberty and Your Changing Body – Rachel Greener and Clare Owen – https://www.amazon.com.au/Growing-Up-…
The Everybody Book of Consent – An LGBTQIA-Inclusive Guide to Respecting Boundaries, Bodies, and Beyond by Rachel E. Simon, https://www.amazon.com.au/Every-Body-…
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.
Thank you for reading,
Laura Hellfeld
RN, MSN, PHN, CNL
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalised support and care tailored to your specific needs.
Signposting and Resources:
- Flush Forward!: A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People
- Inside and Out: Rethinking Hygiene, Autonomy and Expression, Blog
- Supporting PDAers with Hygiene: A Compassionate Approach’, Blog
- How Do I Get Them to Shower?” Rethinking Hygiene Support in Care Roles.’, Blog
- Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People
- Gabby’s Glimmers: An Affirming Story of an Autistic Child and their Favourite Food
Last modified: 27 May 2026